GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The FHSAA Drive to December will conclude this weekend at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Once again partnering with Visit Lauderdale, football state champions will be crowned in Classes 2M, 3M, 4M, 3S and 4S. Games are slated for Thursday, Friday and Saturday this week, with start times scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday, and 1 p.m. & 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. All times are EST.

There are many intriguing matchups heading into this final week of high school football in the state of Florida. The first matchup in Class 3M pits two teams on opposite ends of the proverbial spectrum. Perennial power and Florida’s overall leader in state championships with thirteen, St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) will face off against Homestead, a team making its first title game appearance ever. The Raiders of St. Thomas Aquinas will also be seeking their fourth state championship in a row.

Friday’s matinee matchup in Class 3S will see Mainland (Daytona Beach) face Lake Wales. The Buccaneers of Mainland’s lone title in their history, came back in 2003, while the Highlanders of Lake Wales will be seeking their first overall state championship - in what will be their first appearance in a title game since 1994. The Class 2M matchup on Friday evening will pit South Florida foes American Heritage (Plantation) against Miami Central. The Patriots of American Heritage will attempt to claim their sixth overall title, while the Rockets of Miami Central seek their ninth overall state championship.

In a matchup of two teams destined to face each other since classifications were released, Saturday’s matinee in Class 4S will see defending Class 8A champion, Venice, take on state juggernaut Lakeland. The Indians, who have three overall titles in their history, will face the Dreadnaughts of Lakeland who have seven overall state championships. Closing out the weekend and high school football in the state of Florida in 2022 will be a rematch of the 2019 title game, as Apopka and Columbus will square off in the Class 4M Championship. Their previous matchup saw the Explorers of Columbus edge out the Blue Darters of Apopka 21-20, giving Columbus their first and only football title in school history. Apopka meanwhile has made the state championship game twice since then, as they will be seeking their fourth overall title in school history.

Tickets for the event are currently on sale via Ticketmaster and are being sold by game for an advanced purchase rate of $12.00, and a day of price of $15.00. For additional event and venue information, including streaming opportunities for those who are unable to attend in person, please see the information below or visit the football sport page.
 
2022 Florida High School Football State Championships – DRV PNK Stadium (Fort Lauderdale)
 
Thursday, December 15

• Class 3M State Championship, 7 p.m.
  • Homestead vs. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale)

Friday, December 16

• Class 3S State Championship, 1 p.m.
  • Mainland (Daytona Beach) vs. Lake Wales
     
• Class 2M State Championship, 7 p.m.
  • American Heritage (Plantation) vs. Miami Central

Saturday, December 17

• Class 4S State Championship, 1 p.m.
  • Venice vs. Lakeland
     
• Class 4M State Championship, 7 p.m.
  • Apopka vs. Columbus (Miami)

Know Before You Go:
Where: DRV PNK Stadium (Fort Lauderdale)
When: December 15^th, 16^th, & 17^th
Host: Visit Lauderdale
Tournament Brackets & Matchups Schedule: 2022 Tournament
Admission: $12.00 per game with advance purchase and $15.00 day of (via Ticketmaster ONLY)

• This is a General Admission Event (Stadium Seating Chart)
  • Gate 1 (SE Gate) will be open for Ticketed Entry
  • Away Team (Sections 112-121)
  • Home Team (Sections 101-105 & 128-132)

Facility Information: Clear bag policy | A-Z Gameday guide | Stadium Map
Parking: Pre-purchase through Park Mobile | Stadium Map | Directions to Facility
Lodging Information: Visit Lauderdale
Live Webcast: Spectrum Cable